Where to apply???
 

First time poster, so please be gental... I am a military pilot with 2100TT, 1100 PIC, mostly C-2, F-14 and T-45. With the recent economic woes and current market in the aviation industry I am wondering if someone out there with experience in this endeavor can direct me in the right direction insofar as where to find a job and where I should be applying for employment in our profession in the civilian World.

Currently I have an ATP w/737 type and have applications in at SWA, Delta, AirApps, Cathay, Etihad, and Gulf Air. Am I working in the right direction? Corporate? Fractional? Startups? Any suggestions from the salty dogs out there that have been in my situation? Any help is greatly appreciated. :)

Somebody else will be smarter at telling you where to apply but here are a couple of ideas you may have already done to get started:
Go to aviation job fairs for more info on requirements and your competitiveness.
Read more of the threads for more info and to learn about which job you may prefer.
Connect with every friend you have in civilian aviation and get their opinions of jobs. They may offer to help you get an interview or to review you resume.
Update your application every month (if the website allows it). It shows you are interested.
I went to an AIR, INC job fair and the classes. Many folks say they are expensive but for me it was a lot of information in one weekend and it helped me to prepare my resume and prepare me for the interviews.
I am not a ‘salty’ civilian pilot but I am fully aware of the things to consider to making a military transition.
Good luck

Welcome to the board, be careful it can become addictive. In addition to what Estee said, your squadron mates can also be a valuable resource, if there are any reservists chances are they fly for some airline. Do your best to keep in contact with those you meet, you never know when someone can help you out.
Not too many folks out there with F-14 and C-2 time, interesting combo.

3wire, welcome to the forums. I have moved your thread to Military and perhaps you will get a wider audience and more suggestions.

Best advice (if you can make it happen), get a flying job in the Guard/Reserves and find a stable non-flying career. You only need one flying job and there are plenty of other jobs where you can be in more control of your fate. But....that is easier said than done, and I am in the airline industry - so you see how that went for me.

<g> Well, since you called me out by name, feel compelled to respond. Yes, right direction. First, are you still at Meridian or Kingsville?
If so, tag over to the SAU's (am sure you do already). Also, very confident you could get a billet continuing to fly T-45's if you are not retiring(suspect not with your flt times, possibly at either location).
Open up nets to include working at Flight Safety, etc if need a job that provides opportunity to fly (corporate side job) and then leading to possible fractional/major job downstream. Also, look into Southern Air. Would work as a good holding pen for awhile for Fedex or UPS, etc
If married, would try to stay US based unless spouse is really gung ho for that overseas lifestyle. Commuting will leave you home very little. Coming off Navy time, likely to cause frustration going to the middle east.
Network and do what you are doing. Your doing the right thing.
Best!

3-wire,

It sounds like you have most of the bases covered. Really the only thing left to do is some networking to see if you have any contacts at corporate or 135 gigs. Most folks do and just don't realize it.

My other suggestion is to get on with the reserves or guard. It will help with income, healthcare and keeps you flying. You'll also get some good contacts for all the major airlines plus others. VR is always looking for folks. Where are you looking at settling down? I can give you some suggestions and POCs. If you don't want to go public, PM me your email address.

C9

Sorry, was not trying to call you out personally :D. I am in neither K-Rock or Meridian, still in the Fleet. This is what has made my search more difficult, no reservists or guys getting out to speak to for the "gouge". Everyone in my squadron is remaining on the competitive upward path or going to shore tours.

This is the plan (In a perfect World) and I have been making the rounds. Trying to coincide Reserve work with possible civilian flight opportunities.

I thought about this but my passion is in Aviation and thus I must give it a go until there is no food left on the table. Only 1 other mouth to feed right now and she is in for wherever we end up. :)

Thanks everyone for the help.

Depending on where you are based the C-40 might be an option for you in the reserves. They need to be "rushed" so that they know who you are and normally, they look for O-3s.

If you're still in the squadron and haven't told anyone that you're getting out - DON'T. Not until the very last possible minute, play very close to the vest. BTW, if you have over 10 years, stay IN. The healthcare and pension can't be beat.

If you've already made the plunge, do it whole hog. Like someone else said, go to the career fairs, lurk on the majors board here and at Flight Info and look up long lost buddies who have already left for the airlines.

I understand completely the need to fly, wanted to give it a go in the airlines instead of behind a desk.

Good Luck!

I'm curious why you say to "Stay In" if you've been in for at least 10 years. What may have worked or been ideal for you may not be for others. Surely the financial/insurance security is a nice carrot, but is that last 10 years of pain really worth all the time away from family and QOL? It wasn't for me I can tell you that. If money is the motivation for staying in so be it. Just my .02.